Boston Pride Applauds Candidates and Elected Officials Who Are Refusing to March In South Boston’s Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Boston Pride Applauds Candidates and Elected Officials Who Are Refusing to March In South Boston’s Traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade,

Encourages Supporters of LGBT Community To Support the Peace Parade

Boston, Mass., March 13, 2013 – Boston Pride is praising those candidates and elected officials who are refusing to march in South Boston’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade due to the continued exclusion of the LGBT community. Candidates for state senate Linda Dorcena Forry and Maureen Dahill have both publicly stated that they will not march due to the refusal to allow LGBT groups to participate in the traditional parade, which is also the position of Mayor Thomas Menino. In addition, Boston Pride urges supporters of the LGBT community to participate in this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Peace Parade, which will be held on Sunday, March 17th at 3 p.m., directly following the traditional parade.

“The Boston Pride Parade always welcomes everyone and we understand better than most why it is important to be inclusive and to denounce bigotry,” said Linda DeMarco, President of Boston Pride. “We are proud to support the Peace Parade and we applaud candidates and elected officials who stand with us in denouncing this discriminatory practice.”

Boston Pride is also announcing that the organization is sponsoring the Peace Parade, which is organized by the Smedley D. Butler Brigade, a chapter of Veterans for Peace.

“All Bostonians take great pride in the regional celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day, which celebrates the heritage and traditions of people who spent years oppressed by others,” said DeMarco. “It seems like the perfect time to highlight the many diverse voices Boston has, and especially to focus on the economic and social challenges that many across our region still face every day.”

The St. Patrick’s Peace Parade will begin at 3 pm at the corner of D Street and West Broadway in South Boston and will conclude at the Andrews T Station. More information on the parade can be found at www.bostonpride.org.

Boston Pride creates change and progress in society by embracing our community’s diverse history, culture, and identities, promoting community engagement and inclusivity, and striving for visibility and respect in unity.

Mission

Boston Pride produces events and activities to achieve inclusivity, equality, respect, and awareness in Greater Boston and beyond. Fostering diversity, unity, visibility and dignity, we educate, communicate and advocate by building and strengthening community connections.